Baby Coming Home Outfit: Tips to Pick the Right One
“A new baby is like the beginning of all things – wonder, hope, a dream of possibilities.” – Eda J. Le Shan.
A baby’s birth is one of the most beautiful and precious feelings in the world. Everyone in the family is excited about the little one’s homecoming for the first time. It is a special occasion. Spruce up the nursery and decorate the home with colourful ribbons, line up the toys and throw in the balloons to welcome the newest member to the clan.
It is time for the baby to change into a hospital outfit. From the time the baby is born, the little one is wrapped in the hospital-issued onesies and blankets. Now it is time to come home and wear the first outfit chosen by parents or gifted by someone special. Till now, it was the hospital staff that took care of the baby’s washing and changing needs. It is an emotional moment for the mommy as she dresses the baby for the first time. Let’s explore different styles of baby coming home outfits
What Is a Baby Coming Home Outfit?
The due date is here, and the baby is about to step into the world. Parents are ready with the hospital bag to welcome the gift from heaven. Besides the usual things to carry to the hospital, it is important that you pack an outfit you want the baby to wear when coming home.
The first set of clothes in which you bring the baby home from the hospital is called the baby’s going-home outfit or the homecoming outfit.
What Should an Overall Baby Home Outfit Consist Of?
The first outfit for the baby is very important. There will be a lot of pictures taken to be uploaded to social media and to be kept for memories, to announce the arrival of a new member in the family. The first pictures of the occasion will probably be framed and kept on the mantle at the grandparents’ home and printed on the holiday postcards. You may have planned a professional photoshoot to capture this memorable day. The first outfit is likely to be preserved as a keepsake in the baby album or framed with the birth details of the baby.
1. A Cute Onesie
Onesies cover the baby from top to toe, including the feet, hands and the head. Easy to open and close with snap buttons or soft zippers, these one-piece outfits are available in bright colours, patterns and prints for boys and girls. Pick onesies with cute messages written on them. In case you have pre-decided baby’s name, have the name or the initials embroidered or printed on their first outfit.
2. A Hat or Beanie
It is important to keep the baby’s head covered. A hat matching the outfit or a beanie knitted with love is a perfect option. A headgear with extended bunny ears will add to the cuteness quotient of the baby.
3. Socks or Booties
Keep the feet of your little ones covered. Knitted booties or colourful socks with crib shoes are the perfect addition to the baby’s outfit.
4. Mittens or Gloves
Babies tend to move their hands a lot. They might end up scratching their face. Keep the little fingers covered in mittens or gloves.
5. For Your Baby Boy
Add a jacket or a bow tie over a cute shirt with pants or a romper for your Prince Charming. A cardigan with a hood will make your handsome little man look adorable.
6. For The Little Princess
“Giggles, curls, ribbons, and bows! Our baby girl is so adorable from head to toe.” The homecoming wardrobe for your little princess can have a matching headband and fairy frock adorned with soft ribbon flowers and bows. Make sure you check the material of the dress and the lining beneath does not irritate her sensitive skin. A kimono wrap in bright colours with tie-up details will look perfect on your sunshine.
Do not forget the receiving blankets to swaddle and wrap the baby. Have a backup outfit for unplanned mishaps. Extra diapers and other things like a burp cloth, tissues, baby wipes and more are important when setting the homecoming outfit for the baby.
Tips for Choosing the Perfect Newborm Coming Home Outfit
Homecoming is an emotional moment for the family. It is time to celebrate new life and motherhood. Make sure you choose the right outfit for this special day. Check out these helpful pointers when selecting the first clothes of your baby.
1. Season and Weather
The baby will be experiencing the outdoors for the first time. When you are shopping for the homecoming outfit, keep in mind the season and the weather when the baby will arrive. For a winter baby, a soft wool jacket or a warm snowsuit with fuzzy hat and leg warmers are perfect, while for a summer baby, lightweight onesies and cotton jumpsuits are appropriate. If you are expecting a Christmas baby, add in a Santa hat or dress up the baby like an elf or a fairy.
2. Material
It is important to choose skin-friendly natural fabric for the baby’s outfits. Keep away from synthetic material like acrylic, polyester, nylon and stick to breathable fabric like organic cotton or soft flannel. If you have chosen a fancy outfit, ensure that the inner lining is skin-friendly. Pre-wash the clothes if possible.
3. Comfortable for the Baby
Keep in mind the baby’s comfort when choosing an outfit. Lots of ruffles, decorative trims, and thick jackets can be irritating and make the baby uncomfortable and fussy. You definitely want the baby to look awesome in the homecoming pictures. Make sure that your baby is comfortable.
4. Safety First
Baby’s safety is very important. Ensure that there are no embellishments that can hurt the baby or long tie-ups that can cause strangulation. Opt for a roomy neck and easy-to-get-in and easy-to-get-out clothing with snap buttons or a short fabric tie-up. The baby will be travelling in a car seat for the trip home, and the outfit must not interfere with buckling up the baby safely.
5. Baby’s Gender
If you are already aware of the baby’s gender, select the coming home outfit for a boy in shades of blues and the newborn girl’s coming home outfit in pink. In case you are not planning on knowing the gender of the baby till birth, stay with a unisex option like a onesie available in vibrant colours and gender-neutral prints like stars and stripes.
6. Reusability
Some parents may be planning on repeating the outfit. In that case, opt for easy-to-wash and quick-to-dry practical clothes. If the outfit is just meant for the special day, pick up a stylish dress to suit your taste and preference. However, keep the comfort and safety of the baby a priority.
7. Colour Palette
Colours play a subtle role in accentuating babies’ features. When clothes shopping for an infant take home outfit, you can go for neutral, warm tones like white, oatmeal, and yellow. Pastel colours like pink and blue also look good on babies. And, if you are more of a dazzling parent and want something eye-appealing, you can choose vibrant colours.
How to Choose the Right Size of the Outfit
A preemie or a tiny baby will need a really small outfit, while a healthy baby will need a bigger size of clothes. If you are planning on buying ahead, opt for newborn size 0-3 months clothing. If the outfit is slightly bigger, the baby will soon grow and fit in. If you are not too sure, pick up 2 outfits and use the one that fits better.
FAQs
1. What are the must-have essentials for a newborn baby?
Sleepsuits, onesies, vests, hats, socks, and blankets are some essential baby take-home outfits to keep them comfortable and content in every weather.
2. What is the best fabric for babies in summer?
Cotton, muslin, and linen do their best in keeping babies cool during the summer season and do not irritate their skin. Their lightweight and breathable fabric feature make them optimal for coming home clothes.
3. What is the best fabric for babies in winter?
Keeping your baby warm and snuggled relies on choosing the right cloth fabric for your baby. Merino wool, fleece, and cotton feature softness, easy care, and breathability, making them optimal fabrics for newborn coming home dresses for winter season.
Homecoming is a special day for the baby and the family. Choose an outfit for the occasion wisely and make the first day of the baby at home a memorable one. After all, you’ll have dozens of pictures and videos to set the memory in stone.
Also Read:
Newborn Baby Shopping Checklist
Buying Clothes for Your Baby and Tips To Choose
Best Ideas for Welcoming Newborn Baby at Home
Baby Welcoming Traditions From Around the World